Pubdate: Tue, 31 Jul 2001 Source: Langley Advance (CN BC) Copyright: 2001 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc. Contact: http://www.langleyadvance.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1248 Author: by Erin McKay LAW ENFORCEMENT: BUSSON B.C.'S TOP DRUG COP Langley's loss is B.C.'s gain, as a top-ranking Langley RCMP inspector has been chosen to head up the province's drug unit. Criminals throughout the province beware: a local police inspector is moving on up to kick some butt in the drug trade. Langley RCMP Operations Officer Insp. Carl Busson has been promoted to Superintendent and transferred to Vancouver, where he will be in charge of B.C.'s drug enforcement and awareness program. "It was a promotion that was tough to turn down," said Busson, who became second in command at the Langley RCMP detachment in October 1999, after spending two years with the Surrey force. Busson, now 46 years old, joined the RCMP in 1974. He has done a lot of plainclothes work and used to oversee a small drug section combined with a general investigation section while working in Prince Rupert, but has not specifically been involved in drug enforcement in his career. However, Busson says his varied background in police work will be a benefit to the drug squad. "I believe the RCMP wants to go in a little different direction. They are looking for a more multi-faceted approach," he said. "Drugs are often the key element, but we also have to deal with proceeds of crime, violent crime: they all revolve around each other." Having a broader background means that Busson can bring resources from other areas to the position, which was posted nationally after the previous Superintendent in charge of B.C.'s drug enforcement retired a few months ago. Busson's last day with Langley RCMP was Friday, July 27, and he took up the new posting in Vancouver on Monday, July 30. "I don't think it's really dawned on me yet," he said of the importance of his new job. "Once I get down there, I know it will be a very exciting and dynamic place to work," he told The Advance News on Thursday. "I really enjoyed my time in Langley," Busson added. "It's a great detachment to work in and a great community to be in. A lot of people want to make this a great place to live." "I'm not sad to go, but I'm not looking forward to leaving," admitted Busson, a Cloverdale resident who will now be facing a longer ride in to work every day. "I'm now one of the commuters," he laughed. Langley RCMP Sgt. Russ Nash will be filling in for Busson on a temporary basis, and the vacancy will be posted nationally. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth